How To Buy Water In Quito

Drinking tap water in Quito is not recommended. Stick to bottled water (regular or carbonated), which you can buy from tiendas (convenience stores) and supermarkets. A five-liter (1.3-ga) jug costs approximately $1-2. You can also have a garrafon (big jug, 16L / 4 ga), delivered to your front door. The process is the same as it is for getting a new gas tank for your stove (some gas tank trucks also deliver water). Delivery trucks regularly cruise the streets on weekends more than weekdays; ask your neighbors or at the nearest corner store for delivery days and times. Better yet, ask for the water distributor's phone number and call to arrange a delivery - this frees you from having to hang out on the sidewalk and flag down a passing truck. The initial cost of having bottled water delivered to you is a bit pricey: the water stand base costs $12, and it's another $12 for the water jug. However, every subsequent jug that you buy costs $2.50; just make sure to exchange your empty jug to get it at this lower price. In apartment buildings with a guard or concierge, simply leave the empty jug and money with them and they'll get it themselves whenever the truck comes by.

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Quito: Doing Laundry In Quito, Quito Gyms, Media and How To Buy Gas In Quito.